The labellum is about 14 mm (0.6 in) long, slightly shorter than the dorsal sepal and has red and white streaks.

[2][3][4] The banded helmet orchid was first formally described in 1941 by Herman Rupp who gave it the name Corysanthes fordhamii and published the description in The Victorian Naturalist.

[7][8] The specific epithet (fimbriatus) honours "Mr. F. [Fred] Fordham, of Brunswick Heads on the North Coast of N.S.W.

[6][9] Corybas fordhamii grows in dense, shrubby heath and swamps, often with Melaleuca squarrosa and is not often collected.

The main threats to the species are clearing of habitat, inappropriate fire regimes, soil erosion and weed invasion.